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Article created by: Gabija Palšytė
Ah, Canada. This beautiful patch of land is full of quirky stereotypes, kitten-friendly bookstores, and annual hair freezing contests. Let’s not forget the mesmerizing scenery, incredible wildlife, burning love of maple syrup, and extreme politeness for other human beings. Well, it’s definitely one of the most desired bucket list destinations for many.
And Reddit user GOLDEN_GOATY seems to have a sizzling urge to visit. Recently, they asked people to reveal the lesser-known “do’s and don’ts” of Canadian culture. Hundreds of people decided to share their priceless wisdom and help a fellow Ask A Canadian community member get ready for their trip.
From the dangers of the Canadian wilderness to weirdly specific etiquette rules, these helpful comments can make anyone fully equipped to enter the “Great White North”. Below, you’ll find some of the best pieces of advice we handpicked from this thread. So continue scrolling and be sure to share your own suggestions in the comments!
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#1
You may refer to us as Canadians or even North Americans. NEVER refer to us as just 'Americans'. That's the people to our south, not us.
Former Prime Minister of Canada, Paul Martin, once said "a big part of being Canadian, is that you're not American".
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#2
Don't be surprised by Canadian humour: we use a lot of sarcasm and irony. We have our own special way of making a mockery of everything and everyone. We get along pretty well with the Brits on that.
#3
It's common that if you catch someone's eye while passing in the street you give a little yes nod or a smile. It's not strictly necessary etiquette but don't be surprised if someone does that to you.
Or here in Newfoundland where you'll also get a 'how ya gettin on der buddy' to which you reply 'best kind'.
#4
If you're driving and someone slows down to let you into traffic, give them a little wave. It might not be as common in big cities, but it is most definitely a thing is most areas.
#5
Don't underestimate travel times. Canada is a big country. Also, when asked how far away something is, we tend to answer in time units. It's "a ten hour drive" or "a two hour ferry ride" or "a five hour flight.
#6
Do not litter. Carry your trash with you until you find a garbage can. This means if you are in a park or wild area with NO services: you pack out your garbage!
#7
This is an obvious "Don't do" but I thought I would share it anyway
I met a couple from Poland at a bar who were visiting family in the GTA and they made a comment about Canada being "Over run" with immigrants. Needless to say they were chewed out for the next 20 minutes until they left the bar.
We are extremely proud of our diversity and our welcoming of all immigrants. We were built on immigration and we like it like that.
Some less obvious "dont's" would probably be calling Canadians "Americans" because we live in North America. I have heard that so many times and it always annoys me. Don't do that, we are Canadians
Side note! I just want to tack on that we also love the Netherlands, as our countries have a special relationship stemming from WW2. If you visit Ottawa during May you should go see the Tulip festival! Your country sends us tulips every year and we love you for it.
DO discuss the Netherlands!
#8
When dressing to go out, don't just look at the temperature. -20 can be cold, really cold, or dangerously cold depending on wind and humidity.
#9
Don't drive around your truck with a Canadian flag on it. You look like a Yank or an idiot or both.
#10
Don't underestimate the wildlife. Deer can attack w deadly results and raccoons have sharp teeth, claws and opposable thumbs. Think of them as 10–20kg bears that can grab your face.
#12
Please DO NOT feed the wildlife. The number of times I’ve seen tourists feeding bears along the side of the road is staggering. That puts everyone at risk all because people want to stage a fun photo.
#13
Don’t equate French Canadian culture with French Culture. The sayings, expressions and swear words have evolved separately over centuries, just like new world English speakers.
#15
Don't underestimate the weather it can be both cold or hot enough to kill people depending on the season.
#16
Don't assume everyone here is polite and nice. This country is full of horrible, racist, rude people
#17
Never go into someone else's fridge unless you know them so well you can walk through their front door without knocking. And even then, NEVER eat anything, just get milk/creamer for the coffee...and put it back in the same spot when you are finished.
If you are hungry, mention it casually. If they do not offer food, do not mention it again. Arrange to leave and get your own food/go home. Hospitality in Canada is offering a non-alcoholic beverage (even water). You are not entitled or to expect anything else. Do not assume somebody else's finances can afford to feed you.
#18
If you want something pretty culturally unique (this is more of a do) ask anyone how their day is or has been going or make a remark like cold today
You have a friend for as long as your conversation lasts then they walk off and your never see them again.
To maximize effect find someone older they usually love meeting friendly people. It will however start a genuine conversation with most Canadians and it's not like small talk.
It's an actual conversation where they care about you and how your days going.
#19
It's good to note that the cold tap water might be cold enough to hurt you and the hot tap water might be hot enough to hurt you.
#20
Don’t say nothing when you enter someone’s personal space or vice versa… okay it’s hard to write in ‘don’t form. It’s more of a do. This is where our famous ‘Sorry’ comes from. You’re not apologizing, you’re just acknowledging someone else’s existence and voicing consideration in their general direction.
#21
Not checking the weather before leaving the house. A day can begin sunny and end with a blizzard. You should always check the weather.
#22
I recommend you learn defensive winter driving and learn the signs of black ice. Shine no spray from tires
#23
Tipping is a thing here. 10-20%. This always starts an argument on the sub when this is brought up. I serve/ bartend and 98% of people tip and tip 15-20%. It’s how it is and it’s not going away.
#24
Hitting on a person in public. I find it prevalent in the US where guys will just come up and flirt/ hit on you in a grocery store lol. It’s weird.
#25
Don’t take this the wrong way, but don’t act superior about Europe vs. North America. It can get really tiresome. “In Europe we would never eat dinner this early.” “In Europe our universities are free” “in Europe we don’t have TV ads for lawyers or prescription drugs” “in Europe our beer isn’t served so cold” “in Europe we don’t put so much ice in our beverages”.
You seem like a nice person who wouldn’t do it, but it seems second nature to Europeans.
#26
When someone offers you a beer you accept regardless of preference. The best beer is free. The second best is cold.
#28
Don’t cut your milk bag unless it’s secured in a pitcher. Milk is sold in bags here. It’s easy and tidy and great until it’s not. Also don’t cut the hole too big. And don’t cut it with an old dull serrated knife.
#29
Do not expect public transit to be on time or actually go everywhere you want to go. Do not expect to be able to safely ride your bike everywhere you want. Bike lanes are too few and cars will use them.
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